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Firing range proposal to be heard Monday

Justin Whaley, left, and his business partner Wade Batson are proposing a state-of-the-art firing range on Bakewell Mountain in north Hamilton County. "We are going to build a clubhouse with pro shop and make it like a park," Whaley said. "We'll have an outdoor pavilion for people to gather, like a family atmosphere," he said.
Justin Whaley, left, and his business partner Wade Batson are proposing a state-of-the-art firing range on Bakewell Mountain in north Hamilton County. "We are going to build a clubhouse with pro shop and make it like a park," Whaley said. "We'll have an outdoor pavilion for people to gather, like a family atmosphere," he said. Justin Whaley, left, and his business partner Wade Batson are proposing a state-of-the-art firing range on Bakewell Mountain in north Hamilton County. "We are going to build a clubhouse with pro shop and make it like a park," Whaley said. "We'll have an outdoor pavilion for people to gather, like a family atmosphere," he said.

By David Cobb 3 min read

If you go

› What: Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Commission’s December meeting› When: Monday at 1 p.m.› Where: Hamilton County Courthouse, 625 Georgia Ave.

The Regional Planning Agency could make a key recommendation Monday on a special permit application submitted by two men seeking to construct a commercial firing range in rural Hamilton County.

Dead Zero Shooting wants to operate the firing range on a 184-acre site along Retro Hughes Road on Bakewell Mountain in the county’s northwest corner.

But some nearby landowners building homes in the area oppose the plan. They say noise, traffic, lead and safety concerns brought by the range will cause undue hardship for its neighbors.

A Hamilton County Commission vote will ultimately decide whether the special permit is approved, but the recommendation to be issued by the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency during its 1 p.m. meeting at the county courthouse Monday could guide commissioners’ votes.